The Emir of Suleja, His Royal Highness Muhammad Awwal Ibrahim, has thrown the weight of traditional institutions behind Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s New Niger Health Agenda, describing the reform programme as vital to lifting community health standards across the state.
The pledge when Niger State Commissioner for Health Dr. Murtala Muhammad Bagana led a high-level delegation from the ministry and key development partners on an advocacy visit to the Suleja Emirate Palace. The stop was part of a statewide tour targeting Zone B Emirates to mobilise royal support for the governor’s flagship health reform initiative.
Receiving the team, the Emir commended the state government for recognising the strategic role of traditional rulers in driving public health outcomes.
He assured the delegation that the Suleja Emirate Council would work closely with the government and its partners to intensify community sensitisation on routine immunisation, maternal and child healthcare, environmental sanitation and the promotion of hospital-based deliveries.
“Traditional and religious leaders remain strategically positioned to influence community attitudes and encourage positive health-seeking behaviour among the people,” the Emir said.
The Emir of Minna, Umar Faruq Bahago, who also received the delegation during the Zone B tour, echoed the commitment. He pledged the full cooperation of the Minna Emirate in mobilising residents to embrace routine immunisation and enrol in the state’s health insurance scheme.
Bagana, who addressed the royal fathers, underscored the indispensable role of traditional institutions in the success of the New Niger Health Agenda. He said their influence would be critical in countering misinformation and boosting community participation in healthcare programmes.
The advocacy team included senior officials from the Niger State Ministry of Health, technical experts, and representatives of major development partners: the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), UNICEF, World Health Organization (WHO), Clinton Health Access Initiative, Solina Group, Sydani Group, New Incentives, and the Chigari Foundation.
The ongoing engagements across Zone B Emirates are expected to deepen collaboration between the state government, traditional rulers and international partners in building a resilient, people-centred healthcare system in Niger State.
